Once you've received your building inspection report and decided to buy your home, it's critical that you not only follow all of the recommendations in your report within the timeframes specified, but also that you keep your home in a comfortable, safe, and secure condition. Your building inspector would suggest the following simple steps:
Weekly:
Regular housecleaning to prevent mould, staining and pest infestation and detect dampness which may be a sign of problems.
Monthly:
For effective operation, clean and remove air conditioner filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Check to see if any of the inside and exterior air vents are blocked.
Test smoke alarms and, if necessary, replace batteries or the complete unit. Carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all GFIs should all be checked.
To replenish the trap and control sewage gases, flush water through disused drains.
To avoid valves from seizing and tanks from bursting, test temperature and pressure valves on hot water tanks according to safety recommendations.
Check for leaks in the water heater.
Check for debris in the sink, tub, and shower drains to avoid blockages.
Check for fraying and damage on electrical wires.
6 Monthly:
Clean the windows, screens, and outside walls.
For tank/bore water, service pool and water supply pumps according to manufacturer's specifications.
Exhaust fan grills and range hood filters should be cleaned regularly to extend their life.
To avoid decay damage from wet, look for leaks/cracks around kitchen and laundry cabinetry, as well as the toilet.
External decks, landings, and steps should be inspected, cleaned, and oiled to prevent rotting, cracking, or warping, which could pose a safety problem or create circumstances favourable to timber pests.
Check to see if the pool fences are still in compliance with safety regulations.
Examine trees to see if they or their roots are home to woodpeckers or represent a threat to foundations, power lines, plumbing, roofs, or retaining walls.
Look for holes in the eaves, walls, and subfloors that could be used by birds, rats, mice, possums, and other pests.
Termite barriers should be inspected for signs of infestation.
To avoid mineral buildup, clean the washing machine inlet hose filters, mixer tap aerators, and shower heads.
Examine the handles and locks on the external doors.
Repair cracks and gaps in walkways and driveways.
Yearly:
Clean external walls on a regular basis to maintain their condition, especially if they are near the sea or heavy industries.
Sweep chimneys and flues to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or fires caused by blockages.
To avoid soot buildup, keep fireplaces and slow combustion wood heaters clean.
Keep your carpets clean to keep them sanitary.
Ceiling fans should be cleaned regularly to avoid dust and grime accumulation.
Check all metal items around the house, both inside and out, for corrosion, which could pose a safety hazard, such as brackets and screws. As needed, prime, repaint, repair, or replace.
Clear leaves and debris from gutters, traps, and down pipes to avoid obstructions that can lead to corrosion, backflow of rainwater into the roof area, and circumstances conducive to timber pests.
Examine the roof for missing, loose, or damaged tiles, bedding, or capping, metal sheet corrosion, metal flashing deterioration, and leaks.
Check the subfloor for signs of wood pests, settling soil that could impair stump stability, and whether the concrete slab foundations need to be stabilised or repaired.
Air conditioners should be serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Caulk and/or weather strips should be used to seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors to ensure that heating and cooling systems are as efficient as possible.
Retouch the paint on the outside.
Years 5:
To protect and extend the life of the cladding, paint the interior and exterior walls.
To safeguard your wood or stone flooring from harm, reseal them.
10 Years:
Replace smoke alarms that have reached the end of their useful life.
If necessary, replace the vinyl flooring.
As needed, replace the carpet.
